New York State Attorney General Launches Investigation into Columbia University’s Handling of Predatory Doctor Robert Hadden

The New York State Attorney General’s office has initiated a comprehensive investigation into Columbia University’s institutional response to the misconduct of Dr. Robert Hadden, a former obstetrician-gynecologist. This significant development comes after decades of allegations that Hadden preyed on patients, with persistent warnings seemingly ignored by the prestigious university and its affiliated medical center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC). The Attorney General’s intervention signals a heightened level of scrutiny and potential legal action against one of the state’s most prominent educational and healthcare institutions, following years of mounting pressure from survivors, advocates, and investigative journalists.

Background to the Scandal: A Pattern of Abuse and Institutional Neglect

Dr. Robert Hadden, a seemingly reputable OB-GYN, served at Columbia University for many years, during which time a disturbing pattern of sexual abuse against his patients allegedly unfolded. The nature of his medical specialty, often involving sensitive and vulnerable examinations, created an environment where trust was paramount and easily exploited. Reports indicate that the university received warnings about Hadden’s behavior as far back as the 1990s. Despite these early red flags, Hadden was allowed to continue practicing, seeing countless patients who were unaware of the allegations against him.

A pivotal moment in this long-running saga occurred in 2012 when a patient called 911 to report that Hadden had sexually assaulted her. This direct and undeniable report should have, by all accounts, prompted immediate and decisive action from Columbia. However, revelations from a ProPublica investigation, published in Fall 2023, brought to light how Columbia allegedly permitted Hadden to resume seeing patients just days after this critical incident. This decision, seemingly prioritizing the institution’s operations or reputation over patient safety, allowed Hadden to continue his predatory behavior, victimizing at least eight more patients, including Evelyn Yang, who was seven months pregnant at the time of her assault.

Chronology of Events and Legal Reckonings

The timeline of the Hadden scandal illustrates a protracted period of alleged institutional inaction followed by a series of legal and public pressures:

• Pre-2012: Early warnings and complaints about Dr. Hadden’s conduct reportedly surface, though specific details on Columbia’s response remain under scrutiny.
• 2012: A patient reports sexual assault by Hadden to 911. Columbia briefly suspends Hadden but soon authorizes his return to practice. Dr. Mary D’Alton, then and still the chair of the obstetrics and gynecology department, was reportedly aware of the authorization for his return.
• Late 2010s – Early 2020s: Survivors begin to come forward publicly, leading to increased media attention and legal action.
• Early 2023: Robert Hadden is convicted in federal court for sexually abusing patients. He is subsequently sentenced to 20 years in prison, marking a significant victory for his victims and affirming the severity of his crimes.
• Fall 2023: ProPublica publishes an in-depth investigation revealing how Columbia allegedly "ignored women and ultimately protected Robert Hadden," detailing the university’s knowledge and actions (or inactions) over decades.
• Post-ProPublica Investigation (circa 2022-2023): In response to public outcry and legal pressure, Columbia commits to a series of reforms. These include improved patient safety protocols, the establishment of a $100 million fund for victims, and a promise for an independent investigation into the circumstances that allowed Hadden’s abuse to continue.
• 2022: The New York State Adult Survivors Act is passed, opening a one-year window for survivors of sexual assault to file civil lawsuits, even if the statute of limitations had previously expired. This act provides a crucial legal avenue for Hadden’s victims.
• November 2023: Just ten days before the Adult Survivors Act’s extended window for claims closed, Columbia announces it will send notification letters to nearly 6,500 former patients of Hadden, informing them of his misconduct and their rights. This belated notification draws criticism from survivors and advocates.
• January 2024: A closed town hall meeting at Columbia’s medical school reveals that the delay in patient notification was a "Board of Trustee decision," reportedly influenced by the potential cost of litigation. Monica Lypson, Vice Dean for Medical Education, conveyed this to students in a recording obtained by ProPublica.
• February 2024 (present): The New York State Attorney General’s office confirms it has launched a thorough investigation into Columbia University’s institutional response to Hadden’s misconduct, escalating the legal and public pressure on the university.

Columbia’s Financial and Reputational Toll

The Hadden scandal has already cost Columbia University dearly, both financially and in terms of its standing. The university has paid out more than $1 billion to settle over 1,000 claims of sexual abuse related to Hadden. This staggering sum underscores the immense scale of the harm inflicted and the legal liability Columbia has incurred due to its alleged failures. Beyond monetary costs, the institution’s reputation, built over centuries as a beacon of academic and medical excellence, has been significantly tarnished. The ongoing revelations and the Attorney General’s investigation threaten to deepen this damage, potentially impacting everything from student enrollment and faculty recruitment to philanthropic donations and public trust.

Calls for Accountability and Persistent Criticism

Despite the financial settlements and promised reforms, a significant chorus of voices—including medical students, advocates, and survivors—contends that Columbia has not done enough to address its role in enabling Hadden’s conduct. Four hundred Columbia medical students recently penned a letter to university officials, demanding disciplinary reviews for administrators who failed to heed warnings about Hadden. Their call highlights a central point of contention: unlike other universities embroiled in similar scandals involving serially abusive doctors, no higher-ranking officials at Columbia appear to have lost their jobs or faced public discipline.

Dr. Mary D’Alton, who was reportedly cc’d on the letter authorizing Hadden’s return to work in 2012, remains the chair of the obstetrics and gynecology department, a fact that deeply troubles survivors and critics. This perceived lack of accountability at the leadership level distinguishes Columbia from institutions like the University of Southern California (USC), where the president resigned amidst a sex abuse scandal involving former gynecologist George Tyndall.

New York State Assemblymember Grace Lee has publicly criticized Columbia’s delays and perceived lack of responsibility, particularly regarding the promised independent investigation report. "To me, it’s just outrageous that we are here now in 2024 and we still have no report and no one has been held accountable," Assemblymember Lee told ProPublica, expressing frustration at the university’s slow pace compared to other institutions. For instance, the external investigation into the University of Michigan’s response to crimes committed by its former physician, Robert Anderson, took approximately 15 months, whereas Columbia’s report, promised two years ago, is still "expected to be released soon."

The Attorney General’s Authority and Broader Implications

The New York State Attorney General’s office wields considerable power over non-profit organizations operating within the state, including Columbia University. This authority allows the AG to investigate potential malfeasance, mandate reforms, and even pursue legal action that could result in significant penalties or operational changes. Precedents for such interventions exist: a few years ago, the Attorney General forced the Trump Foundation to shut down, and more recently, secured a court victory against the National Rifle Association (NRA), leading to a series of mandated reforms for the organization. These examples underscore the potential for the Attorney General’s investigation to bring about substantial and far-reaching consequences for Columbia.

For survivors, the Attorney General’s intervention offers a renewed sense of hope for justice. "Accountability is overdue, particularly in light of the Epstein files," said Evelyn Yang, referencing recent revelations that several Columbia affiliates had ties to the financier Jeffrey Epstein, further complicating public perceptions of institutional integrity. Marissa Hoechstetter, another Hadden survivor, articulated the broader significance: "I do believe institutional accountability is a missing part of making a bigger change in the fight of gender-based violence. I don’t know what will come of this investigation, but it shows that institutions that protect and cover up abusers in order to protect their own people and reputation will be held accountable." Both Yang and Hoechstetter were instrumental in advocating for the passage of the Adult Survivors Act, demonstrating the power of survivor advocacy in driving legislative change.

The investigation delves into critical questions about institutional culture, transparency, and the balance between protecting an institution’s reputation and ensuring patient safety. It forces a public examination of how a major university managed decades of warnings about a predatory doctor and why it allegedly delayed notifying thousands of potentially affected patients, a decision reportedly made by its Board of Trustees due to litigation concerns.

University’s Stance and the Road Ahead

Columbia University has largely declined to comment specifically on the Attorney General’s investigation for this story. However, the university did acknowledge in a recent announcement that "there are many questions" regarding the timing of its commissioned independent investigation into the Hadden affair, reaffirming that the report is expected "soon." This statement, coming years after the initial promise for such an examination, highlights the ongoing pressure on the university to provide concrete answers and demonstrate genuine accountability.

The path forward for Columbia will undoubtedly be complex. The Attorney General’s investigation is likely to delve deep into internal communications, policies, and decisions made over decades. It could lead to further legal action, mandated changes in governance or patient safety protocols, and potentially even disciplinary actions against individuals. The outcome will not only be crucial for the survivors of Robert Hadden’s abuse but will also serve as a significant case study in institutional responsibility, transparency, and the fight against gender-based violence within powerful organizations. The eyes of the public, particularly those within the academic and medical communities, will be watching closely as New York State seeks to hold Columbia University accountable for its past actions and omissions.